I'm a bit bummed today. I got the notice of my fine for turning right on red without completely stopping and it will be $528 PLUS the cost of traffic school, which I think is about $100. Of course this was unplanned, so it'll have to come out of our savings.In addition, we received a couple of Doctor bills this week (one for the ER trip - $100 and one for the DR copay - $30). Again, unplanned for, so we'll draw down the savings even lower.
Perhaps I should just be happy we have a little cushion and look forward to starting 2011 fresh. We've learned some good techniques in November and December and are learning how to budget a little better now. It's just hard not to get down about starting back at square one. I should be happy though that we even had a savings to fall back on for these expenses, or else they'd end up on the credit card! Someday it will get easier, someday.
That ticket is a major OUCH. Hopefully you can replenish soon.
ReplyDeleteI'd say that's a bit steep...PLUS traffic school OMG! BUT I like the idea of starting fresh in 2011 applying lessons learned. To me, every day is a fresh start as long as we've learned something all is not lost. But i am definitely feeling your pain.
ReplyDeleteYes, focus on the fact that you had the savings there when you needed it, and use that as motivation to get it back up. The fact that you do not have to turn to your credit cards is huge. You will get there. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, that is some hefty fine! I remember "rolling a stop sign" and the ticket was $50.00. CA must be really hurting...
ReplyDeleteGlad you had the $$$ to cover it!
Ouch! My husband had an accident that we were afraid that we going to have to pay an arm and leg for. Luckily he only has to do a driver improvement course, but over the whole process it has cost quite a bit (court fees, lawyer fee, driver course fee).
ReplyDeleteYou'd think they would try and get money out of real criminals rather than the 'small' offenses!
This is a bummer. I know it is unplanned, but can you pay less on debt to absorb some of the cost, so you don't have to take as much out of your savings?
ReplyDeleteWow! That is crazy. Good luck to you in replenishing your e-fund.
ReplyDeleteThat would have really hurt, still you have only been saving 2 months and already you are able to cope with a fiasco such as this. Imagine how you are going to be at the end of 2011
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe how much your red light tickets are! In Knoxville, they're $90, and you don't have to go to traffic school! Ridiculous!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to wonderful world of Red Tickets.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea Broke By Choice, unfortunately we are not paying much more than the minimum so there isn't much flexibility right now.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support everyone :) Have a great weekend and don't forget to stop at those red lights!
Yeah! That's ridiculously expensive! In Chicago red-light tickets are only $100. No traffic school required. Sorry!! That's quite a blow!
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